I’m just one trophy away from the platinum in Marathon, so I’ll be grinding it out this weekend. It still might take me another two weeks, but that’s okay.
What’s wild is that this might be the only multiplayer game I’ve put 60+ hours into and still feel completely outmatched. I used to play Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 at a semi-professional level, and I also competed in Overwatch at a high level—the last multiplayer game I seriously played.
And yet, Marathon is my kryptonite. There are moments in Marathon where I think I’m not only git-ting gud, but becoming skilled as well. My (random) squad strings together extractions, and I’m getting kills without relying entirely on my teammates. Then I lose a single match—and suddenly it spirals into a losing streak. It’s in these scenarios where I question my ability; but that’s the draw.
I can’t pull myself away from Marathon—it’s just that addicting. My sleep schedule has been altered drastically, and I’m running on fumes at my day job because I’m staying up all night playing. I’ve logged roughly 40 hours into the game, and I feel as if I’m just now beginning to scratch the surface on how to play.
The biggest obstacle I had to understand was that winning a gunfight isn’t about raw aim and force like Halo—it’s about positioning. You can have top-tier weapons, but if you’re in a poor position you can be eliminated by someone using a basic kit. And while weapons matter, it’s the mods you attach to them that make them lethal. It can quickly turn average weapons into something superior.
Team play is just as critical. It’s not always beneficial to kill someone you have incapacitated. It’s often best to wait until the remaining squad attempts to perform a revive before you strike. On the flip side, being "eliminated" doesn't always mean you're out. I've had plenty of matches where I was taken down, but a teammate managed to disengage, wait for things to cool off, and come back to revive me. During those moments, spectating becomes a tool—you can call out sounds, movements, and threats from their perspective. In this game, survival comes first; looting comes second.
Speaking of survival, it’s entirely possible to not engage in any fights whatsoever. It’s okay to complete an objective and exfil. And if you want to stay alive longer then communication is essential. The majority of my victories were due to speaking to one another, using your shells’ abilities to complement each other, sticking together and using a good team composition, particularly in Hauler and Station.
I won’t lie, the game can be infuriating. It wasn’t until I got over the “gear fear” that I learned to accept the frustration and turn it into a positive. You’re never going to be completely empty in your backpack. You may have it be minimal, but never entirely useless. All it takes is one good match to change your entire future matches around. Sometimes, you have to go in with no expectations. I look at it similar to borrowing items instead of actually owning them. Or, like lottery tickets - you’re spending money hoping to win more, but you don’t necessarily expect a positive outcome. If you win, great; if you lose, oh well, you spent money knowing the risk.
Ultimately, the key is getting comfortable with discomfort. Once you do, you'll find an experience packed with depth, rich lore, engaging team combat, beautifully designed maps, and a rewarding gameplay loop that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether Marathon thrives or fades in the next six months, I know I'll be there for as long as it lasts.
What I’m playing is completely out of character: Marathon. Multiplayer games aren’t my forte. It’s been over a decade since I have dedicated any time to playing online with others, whether that’s cooperatively or competitively. I’m not even sure what compelled me to buy Bungie’s latest, but I did, and I am happy with my decision.
My first few matches were shockingly successful. We — randoms — managed to exfiltrate. I didn’t have my mic on so there wasn’t any communication, but we performed well. Did I have any idea what I was doing? Nope. In fact, I didn’t know how to heal; I ran out of ammo multiple times; and I didn’t know where to go. But we won.
And then I lost. Again, and again. But I was learning bits and pieces as I did. For starters, patience is key. I studied what my loot actually did. I managed my inventory accordingly. Subsequently, I took my time in each run throughout the various maps, slowly completing my contract objectives whilst wandering aimlessly.
The second thing I began to realize quickly is Marathon is a trial by fire - you learn as you play. It’s not going to be easy, and it isn’t meant to. The learning curve is very steep. However, if you can get over the minor hiccup you will be rewarded with an intense FPS that has high highs and low lows but not in a negative way.
To be fair, particularly to newcomers (I’m still one myself), Marathon doesn’t have a good onboarding. It can feel daunting with the amount of systems and mechanics at work. Its UI and interface make it that much more difficult. Again, though, that is where patience comes in. Learn the game within the game; don’t neglect checking out the codex, and be mindful of your challenges. You’ll find that no run feels entirely meaningless even if you die within a couple of minutes.
The one thing that should be hammered home for new players: don’t get attached. That will be the toughest hurdle. You’re going to lose your gear. It’s unavoidable, and it’s going to suck. You can, however, obtain awesome weapons and gear as quickly as you lose it, and that’s the biggest thrill.
It quickly became an addiction. I almost called out of work because one, I have the flu, and two, so I could do more runs. Unfortunately, my adult brain kicked in and convinced me otherwise, but the temptation … oh, the temptation was powerful.
I could rant on and on about why this game shines above the crowd. I don’t think the amount of words I could use would be able to fill up this comment adequately. Ultimately, as the game suggests, it’s a Marathon, not a sprint. Don’t give up hope, runners. Let’s not make this a Boston.
I just beat it last night on Switch 2. On handheld, the game would drop in frame rate sometimes, but otherwise it was rock solid. I absolutely loved the game — I might double dip on PS5 and get the trophies!
I wasn’t expecting to get this, but considering the great reviews, and learning that you don’t have to play the prior two games, I think I will pick this up. I’m in the mood for a catch-em-all RPG.
I’m looking forward to this. I’m curious to see how it runs on Switch 2, particularly with its stop-motion aesthetics. If it reviews well, I’ll be picking this up day one.
I’m playing Resident Evil 9: Requiem. I don’t get scared often, but this game has been anxiety inducing. There have been moments where I had to pause the game just to breathe. The last (horror) game to evoke these emotions was Alien: Isolation. It’s been a fantastic experience. And just when I thought my arachnophobia couldn’t get any worse … oh, boy.
The voice acting for Grace is phenomenal. I can feel the emotions behind everything she says, and how she says it. I think she is a fantastic addition to the RE universe.
@N00BiSH I didn’t mention any games because I wasn’t sure if you were being sarcastic. As for games, Demon Souls, Astro Bot, Rise of the Ronin, Ghost of Yotei, Saros, Wolverine. And since Sony is shifting their strategy by not putting their AAA exclusives on PC any longer, the handful of exclusives on PC won’t be playable on other traditional consoles.
This is a great game, and a perfect home for the Nintendo Switch 2. I’ll probably double dip to get familiarized with the world again before the sequel releases this year.
There were a few bangers, in my opinion. Denshattack looks cool, Rotwood looks like the perfect successor to Absolum, and Drinkbox has a new game coming out.
After an excessive amount of time, approximately 80 hours, I got the platinum for NiOh 3. I’m proud of the accomplishment, but let me state for the record now, and forever more: ***** the final boss.
It is now time to focus on Resident Evil Requiem. I picked up the generation pack that includes 7 & 8 on the Switch 2 since I’ll be traveling extensively the next few weeks. I can’t wait!
I cannot wait! I’ve been debating whether or not to get the game for PS5, or Switch 2. Regardless, I am definitely be getting this day one, and look forward to playing it in a couple of days. The reviews have been sublime so far — sitting at a 90 on OpenCritic.
I brought my Switch 2 to work today, specifically to play Fallout 4 during my lunch break. I’m looking forward to the experience, and I’m glad to hear, at least from the comments here, that the game runs well.
I absolutely love this game; I’m glad it turned out well on the Switch 2. I’ve also been meaning to replay this game, so I think I’ll boot it up tonight! Awesome review!
Growing up I lived in a trailer park. I had this neighbor, who had two boys my age. We became friends, and they had an SNES. Every time I came over they were playing A Link To The Past and I was blown away. I loved the cartridge too, with its gold plating. I have fond memories of that, and funnily enough, I didn’t like that game all that much, but it still left an impact on me.
I’m still neck deep into NiOh 3, working my way to the platinum trophy. It’s been such a tantalizing experience, and scratches that Elden Ring itch. By that, I mean its open world design. I prefer this approach to the genre because the difficulty of formidable bosses can be overwhelming. Being able to go somewhere else, explore, and level up gives you the feeling of always making strides to improvement.
That said, the final boss for the first region, Takeda Shingen was the bane of my existence. There were moments I contemplated whether or not victory was even fractionally possible. My death count was approximately 25 times, and my head hanged low before I had to go to work for the day. Prior to him, the (boss) fights had been challenging, but my confidence grew with each attempt. Nine hours later, I arrive home from work, and tell myself that I can beat him. Once again numerous deaths. And then I learned a pattern. Though I still died I was consistently getting him to the halfway mark. And then I learned another pattern. And another. Two attempts later, I beat him.
Sometimes, you just need to take a step back for a while. You have to realize that this is just a video game, and it can be beaten. Once I didn’t let the enemy frustrate me, toy with my emotions, and make me play defense, reacting for sheer survival rather than be offensive minded and focus on positioning, I knew I could do it. There is no other feeling like adrenaline. Subsequently, the next main boss I encountered I was victorious on the first attempt.
Meanwhile, during my lunch break at work, I read the news that Xenoblade Chronicles X got a Switch 2 upgrade; I downloaded it as soon as I could. It’s nearly been a year since I’ve last played — I have forgotten the controls and sole core mechanics. I’m debating whether I want to start a fresh playthrough, or boot up my save file that has 120-hours logged, and get accustomed to the systems again. I will probably choose the latter, knowing I more than likely won’t finish it if I start anew.
I’m glad to hear that the update is worth the price of admission, though there is some clear debate as to whether or not it should be free. Either way, I’m looking forward to revisiting the game. It’s been almost a year since I’ve last played — I have forgotten the controls, and some of the core mechanics. I’m debating whether or not I want to start a fresh playthrough and test the waters, knowing I probably won’t finish it, or boot up my save file that has 120-hours logged and get accustomed to systems again.
This weekend I am playing NiOh 3. I’m approximately a quarter of the way through with 13-hours of playtime. My experience has been sublime thus far. If you are not a fan of souls-like then this game won’t move the needle. However, if you’re a fan of this genre, and generally hardcore action game with robust combat, then welcome aboard.
This latest entry is probably the most accessible because of the approach in its difficulty. It’s achieved by open world exploration, and giving always giving you something to indulge. If you’re having trouble with a group of enemies, or an optional boss, simply go somewhere else. There is a strong essence of player agency and freedom, providing you the feeling that you aren’t ever stuck. It’s comparable to Elden Ring in that regard.
As we all know, this genre is typically associated with difficulty; NiOh 3 is no exception, but it’s hardly unbearable. There were a few boss encounters where I questioned my ability to defeat them, but once I understood the mechanics, the correct time to switch fighting styles (samurai and ninja), and deflecting, fights became manageable. One boss I encountered, Kamaitchi, which I believe is optional, was frantic, engaging, and incredibly unique with some of its movements. It’s easily one of my favorite throughout the entire souls-like games on the market.
The combat is the real star of the show—a staple in this franchise. It’s arguably better than any souls-like, perhaps even superior to From Software games. There is so much variety on play, and the amount creative builds feel limitless. In the prior two games you acquired various weapon types, each with their own stance and skill trees to master. That core element is still present, but rather than being a samurai you can switch to a Ninja on the fly. In doing so, there is no Ki pulse or different stances; instead, you’re more versatile, nimble, quicker to dodge, and can use various magic abilities in addition to numerous weapons. It’s a fun mechanic that is seamlessly integrated in the enemies and bosses you fight, making you to have quick reflexes.
One complaint I’ve had in every NiOh game is the copious amounts of loot. It really can be exhausting trying to manage everything. Whilst it’s still prevalent, there are accessibility options to make life easier. You can adjust your settings so anything that you pick up can be sold, or disassembled from common, uncommon, legendary, and rare. You also get the choice to choose between common, uncommon, rare, and legendary, that way you won’t be overwhelmed (more than you have to). This helps ease the monotonous of pouring through lists and lists of what to keep or not.
All in all, NiOh 3 seems to be the culmination of all its trademarks, and a new beginning for the franchise. It builds upon its foundation, sharpening what sets it apart from its contemporaries, and tries something different. There may be a couple of stumbles along the way, but nothing too bad to negate the amount of positives the game offers. This will more than likely be in the GoTY discussion, and it will be justified. In my opinion, this is Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo’s best game yet.
I’ve yet to play this entry, but I think I’ll pick it up during a deep sale. I probably won’t finish it; these games are typically over saturated, but if it holds my attention for a while then I’ll be pleased.
I’m very curious about Duskbloods. It has all the typical traits of a From Soft game, but it being similar to Nightrein, and exclusively on Switch, is concerning. That said, I have faith in them—they very rarely disappoint. I also can’t wait to have Elden Ring on the go.
I’m glad I canceled my preorder, but it’s disappoint to see a successful franchise have a huge miss, when all of their games are typically great. I’ll stick with the original.
ToTK is one of my all time favorite games, but I would love to see a more traditional approach, though that is highly unlikely. Maybe the combat will be revamped, and providing neat skill sets and special moves. That said, we always seem to have this conversation — how can the next Zelda game be better than the last? It always seems like an impossible feat because we aren’t involved in the creative process, but it always surpasses everyone’s expectations. I don’t think we need to worry about the direction the games will go.
I’ve kind of been in a funk, so I think I’m going to take a brief hiatus from gaming until Resident Evil Requiem releases, or perhaps Yakuza 3 Kiwami, if the reviews are solid. I sincerely haven’t gone longer than a singular day playing something for over five years, but I think it’ll be good to step away.
I have, however, been reading a lot more than usual — I do it often, but as of late I’m more ferociously. My wife convinced me to read the Fourth Wing series. I was skeptical because, as much as I love fantasy, the steamy romance scenes aren’t my cup of tea, so I went in expecting to dislike the book(s). Several days later, I finished all three books. They were quite incredible. I’m now reading The Will of the Many by James Islington, and it’s fantastic. The world building has been incredible, and the setting has my imagination running wild.
This is one of the games I’ve been wanting to come to Switch 2 for a long time. I’m glad it finally is making its way — I’ll be double dipping for sure, especially since I haven’t played the DLC yet.
It’s kind of expected. Oblivion, Skyrim, and Fallout are essentially “old”. The people who want those games already have them considering how long they have been out. Indy, on the other hand, is new and fresh; they need to sell as many copies as possible. I understand that it sucks and doesn’t make much sense, but it is what it is.
If I had to rate this direct, it would be a B+, if not an A (or, a 9/10). Speaking only on the games that were shown rather than wasn’t, there was a huge lineup of games. Moreover, they are all releasing fairly soon: this spring and summer. There were no games that were slated for 2027. The majority of the games were for the first half of the year, and in that we are receiving FF7 Rebirth, Tales of Arise (a game not many is discussing but it’s worth mentioning - it’s great), Indiana Jones, Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4, Orbitals, and more.
Sure, I was a tad disappointed by the lack of other games rumored to be coming to the console, or factually releasing, such as Elden Ring, Clair Obscur, Metaphor, and Mina The Hollower. I wish there were some news on those games. With that said, it’s almost all but certain those games will be coming, so for what the Partner Showcase presented, it was fantastic.
Of course, we are also getting RE Requiem and Pragmata day one, whilst also having FF7Remake, Dragon Quest 7, Yakuza 3, Caves of Qud, already released, or will be in a week. That goes to show me that developers are starting to see Switch 2’s true potential without compromising. And yes, this showcase was essentially about ports. I understand the dismay against that — I, too, want new games — but it’s a good indication where the mindset of developers are. We are going to start getting more day one releases in the future.
Comments 807
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (28th March)
I’m just one trophy away from the platinum in Marathon, so I’ll be grinding it out this weekend. It still might take me another two weeks, but that’s okay.
What’s wild is that this might be the only multiplayer game I’ve put 60+ hours into and still feel completely outmatched. I used to play Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 at a semi-professional level, and I also competed in Overwatch at a high level—the last multiplayer game I seriously played.
And yet, Marathon is my kryptonite. There are moments in Marathon where I think I’m not only git-ting gud, but becoming skilled as well. My (random) squad strings together extractions, and I’m getting kills without relying entirely on my teammates. Then I lose a single match—and suddenly it spirals into a losing streak. It’s in these scenarios where I question my ability; but that’s the draw.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st March)
I can’t pull myself away from Marathon—it’s just that addicting. My sleep schedule has been altered drastically, and I’m running on fumes at my day job because I’m staying up all night playing. I’ve logged roughly 40 hours into the game, and I feel as if I’m just now beginning to scratch the surface on how to play.
The biggest obstacle I had to understand was that winning a gunfight isn’t about raw aim and force like Halo—it’s about positioning. You can have top-tier weapons, but if you’re in a poor position you can be eliminated by someone using a basic kit. And while weapons matter, it’s the mods you attach to them that make them lethal. It can quickly turn average weapons into something superior.
Team play is just as critical. It’s not always beneficial to kill someone you have incapacitated. It’s often best to wait until the remaining squad attempts to perform a revive before you strike. On the flip side, being "eliminated" doesn't always mean you're out. I've had plenty of matches where I was taken down, but a teammate managed to disengage, wait for things to cool off, and come back to revive me. During those moments, spectating becomes a tool—you can call out sounds, movements, and threats from their perspective. In this game, survival comes first; looting comes second.
Speaking of survival, it’s entirely possible to not engage in any fights whatsoever. It’s okay to complete an objective and exfil. And if you want to stay alive longer then communication is essential. The majority of my victories were due to speaking to one another, using your shells’ abilities to complement each other, sticking together and using a good team composition, particularly in Hauler and Station.
I won’t lie, the game can be infuriating. It wasn’t until I got over the “gear fear” that I learned to accept the frustration and turn it into a positive. You’re never going to be completely empty in your backpack. You may have it be minimal, but never entirely useless. All it takes is one good match to change your entire future matches around. Sometimes, you have to go in with no expectations. I look at it similar to borrowing items instead of actually owning them. Or, like lottery tickets - you’re spending money hoping to win more, but you don’t necessarily expect a positive outcome. If you win, great; if you lose, oh well, you spent money knowing the risk.
Ultimately, the key is getting comfortable with discomfort. Once you do, you'll find an experience packed with depth, rich lore, engaging team combat, beautifully designed maps, and a rewarding gameplay loop that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether Marathon thrives or fades in the next six months, I know I'll be there for as long as it lasts.
Re: Review: Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun (Switch 2) - A Stealthy Gem That's Both Tough & Approachable
I didn’t realize how close the game is to release. Excellent review; I think I will check this out.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th March)
What I’m playing is completely out of character: Marathon. Multiplayer games aren’t my forte. It’s been over a decade since I have dedicated any time to playing online with others, whether that’s cooperatively or competitively. I’m not even sure what compelled me to buy Bungie’s latest, but I did, and I am happy with my decision.
My first few matches were shockingly successful. We — randoms — managed to exfiltrate. I didn’t have my mic on so there wasn’t any communication, but we performed well. Did I have any idea what I was doing? Nope. In fact, I didn’t know how to heal; I ran out of ammo multiple times; and I didn’t know where to go. But we won.
And then I lost. Again, and again. But I was learning bits and pieces as I did. For starters, patience is key. I studied what my loot actually did. I managed my inventory accordingly. Subsequently, I took my time in each run throughout the various maps, slowly completing my contract objectives whilst wandering aimlessly.
The second thing I began to realize quickly is Marathon is a trial by fire - you learn as you play. It’s not going to be easy, and it isn’t meant to. The learning curve is very steep. However, if you can get over the minor hiccup you will be rewarded with an intense FPS that has high highs and low lows but not in a negative way.
To be fair, particularly to newcomers (I’m still one myself), Marathon doesn’t have a good onboarding. It can feel daunting with the amount of systems and mechanics at work. Its UI and interface make it that much more difficult. Again, though, that is where patience comes in. Learn the game within the game; don’t neglect checking out the codex, and be mindful of your challenges. You’ll find that no run feels entirely meaningless even if you die within a couple of minutes.
The one thing that should be hammered home for new players: don’t get attached. That will be the toughest hurdle. You’re going to lose your gear. It’s unavoidable, and it’s going to suck. You can, however, obtain awesome weapons and gear as quickly as you lose it, and that’s the biggest thrill.
It quickly became an addiction. I almost called out of work because one, I have the flu, and two, so I could do more runs. Unfortunately, my adult brain kicked in and convinced me otherwise, but the temptation … oh, the temptation was powerful.
I could rant on and on about why this game shines above the crowd. I don’t think the amount of words I could use would be able to fill up this comment adequately. Ultimately, as the game suggests, it’s a Marathon, not a sprint. Don’t give up hope, runners. Let’s not make this a Boston.
Re: Resident Evil Requiem Gets A Small Switch 2 Update, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
I just beat it last night on Switch 2. On handheld, the game would drop in frame rate sometimes, but otherwise it was rock solid. I absolutely loved the game — I might double dip on PS5 and get the trophies!
Re: Review: Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (Switch 2) - Another Excellent Monstie Collecting Spin-Off
I wasn’t expecting to get this, but considering the great reviews, and learning that you don’t have to play the prior two games, I think I will pick this up. I’m in the mood for a catch-em-all RPG.
Re: Xbox Is Bringing Another Game To Switch 2 Later This Month
I’m looking forward to this. I’m curious to see how it runs on Switch 2, particularly with its stop-motion aesthetics. If it reviews well, I’ll be picking this up day one.
Re: How Well Do You Remember February's Nintendo News? Our Quiz Of The Month
I got 9/12, so not too shabby!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th March)
I’m playing Resident Evil 9: Requiem. I don’t get scared often, but this game has been anxiety inducing. There have been moments where I had to pause the game just to breathe. The last (horror) game to evoke these emotions was Alien: Isolation. It’s been a fantastic experience. And just when I thought my arachnophobia couldn’t get any worse … oh, boy.
Re: Review: Blue Prince (Switch 2) - A Masterful Mystery, And One Of The Best Puzzlers Ever
I am not good at puzzles, and I know I more than likely will give up on this game a few hours in, but gosh dangit, I bought it anyway.
Re: Feature: "I've Always Loved Doing Guttural Screams" - Angela Sant'Albano On Joining The World Of Resident Evil
The voice acting for Grace is phenomenal. I can feel the emotions behind everything she says, and how she says it. I think she is a fantastic addition to the RE universe.
Re: Review: Tales Of Berseria Remastered (Switch) - QoL Tweaks Make A Brilliant Game Even Better
I’ve never played a Tales Of game. After reading the review, I think I will pick this up—it sounds fantastic.
Re: Capcom's New Game Pragmata Is Now Releasing A Little Earlier Than Expected
Awesome! It comes out a few days before my birthday, so I’ll definitely treat myself. It is shaping up to me another Capcom banger.
Re: PlayStation Indie Hit 'Kena: Bridge Of Spirits' Is Headed To Switch 2 Soon
@N00BiSH I didn’t mention any games because I wasn’t sure if you were being sarcastic. As for games, Demon Souls, Astro Bot, Rise of the Ronin, Ghost of Yotei, Saros, Wolverine. And since Sony is shifting their strategy by not putting their AAA exclusives on PC any longer, the handful of exclusives on PC won’t be playable on other traditional consoles.
Re: PlayStation Indie Hit 'Kena: Bridge Of Spirits' Is Headed To Switch 2 Soon
@N00BiSH It has a ton of games for its own.
Re: PlayStation Indie Hit 'Kena: Bridge Of Spirits' Is Headed To Switch 2 Soon
This is a great game, and a perfect home for the Nintendo Switch 2. I’ll probably double dip to get familiarized with the world again before the sequel releases this year.
Re: Resident Evil Requiem Has Already Sold Over 5 Million Copies
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
This is such a great game, and I’m glad it’s getting the sales that it wholeheartedly deserves.
Re: Nintendo Indie World Showcase March 2026: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer
There were a few bangers, in my opinion. Denshattack looks cool, Rotwood looks like the perfect successor to Absolum, and Drinkbox has a new game coming out.
Re: Feature: Nintendo Life eShop Selects (February 2026)
For those who have played Caves of Qud, is it worth the $30.00 price tag? That seems pretty steep, but I could be tempted.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (28th February)
After an excessive amount of time, approximately 80 hours, I got the platinum for NiOh 3. I’m proud of the accomplishment, but let me state for the record now, and forever more: ***** the final boss.
It is now time to focus on Resident Evil Requiem. I picked up the generation pack that includes 7 & 8 on the Switch 2 since I’ll be traveling extensively the next few weeks. I can’t wait!
Re: Review: Resident Evil Requiem (Switch 2) - Action And Horror Combine In A Series Highlight
I cannot wait! I’ve been debating whether or not to get the game for PS5, or Switch 2. Regardless, I am definitely be getting this day one, and look forward to playing it in a couple of days. The reviews have been sublime so far — sitting at a 90 on OpenCritic.
Re: Review: Caves Of Qud (Switch) - A Roguelike About Making Stories Through Unfathomable Systemic Interactions
I want to play this game but I don’t have it in me to spend $30.00 for it.
Re: Fallout 4 Switch 2 Launch Trailer Gives Us A Better Glimpse At The Wasteland
I brought my Switch 2 to work today, specifically to play Fallout 4 during my lunch break. I’m looking forward to the experience, and I’m glad to hear, at least from the comments here, that the game runs well.
Re: Mini Review: Resident Evil Village Gold Edition (Switch 2) - A Solid First-Person Follow Up
One of the scariest moments could also be mistaken as the most hilariously disturbing. Ugh, I still think about it from time to time.
Re: Mini Review: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Gold Edition (Switch 2) - A Survival Horror Masterclass, Free From Cloud Prison
I absolutely love this game; I’m glad it turned out well on the Switch 2. I’ve also been meaning to replay this game, so I think I’ll boot it up tonight! Awesome review!
Re: Anniversary: The Legend Of Zelda Turns 40 Today - How Did You First Play It?
Growing up I lived in a trailer park. I had this neighbor, who had two boys my age. We became friends, and they had an SNES. Every time I came over they were playing A Link To The Past and I was blown away. I loved the cartridge too, with its gold plating. I have fond memories of that, and funnily enough, I didn’t like that game all that much, but it still left an impact on me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st February)
I’m still neck deep into NiOh 3, working my way to the platinum trophy. It’s been such a tantalizing experience, and scratches that Elden Ring itch. By that, I mean its open world design. I prefer this approach to the genre because the difficulty of formidable bosses can be overwhelming. Being able to go somewhere else, explore, and level up gives you the feeling of always making strides to improvement.
That said, the final boss for the first region, Takeda Shingen was the bane of my existence. There were moments I contemplated whether or not victory was even fractionally possible. My death count was approximately 25 times, and my head hanged low before I had to go to work for the day. Prior to him, the (boss) fights had been challenging, but my confidence grew with each attempt. Nine hours later, I arrive home from work, and tell myself that I can beat him. Once again numerous deaths. And then I learned a pattern. Though I still died I was consistently getting him to the halfway mark. And then I learned another pattern. And another. Two attempts later, I beat him.
Sometimes, you just need to take a step back for a while. You have to realize that this is just a video game, and it can be beaten. Once I didn’t let the enemy frustrate me, toy with my emotions, and make me play defense, reacting for sheer survival rather than be offensive minded and focus on positioning, I knew I could do it. There is no other feeling like adrenaline. Subsequently, the next main boss I encountered I was victorious on the first attempt.
Meanwhile, during my lunch break at work, I read the news that Xenoblade Chronicles X got a Switch 2 upgrade; I downloaded it as soon as I could. It’s nearly been a year since I’ve last played — I have forgotten the controls and sole core mechanics. I’m debating whether I want to start a fresh playthrough, or boot up my save file that has 120-hours logged, and get accustomed to the systems again. I will probably choose the latter, knowing I more than likely won’t finish it if I start anew.
Re: Review: Ys X: Proud Nordics (Switch 2) - The Definitive Version Of Adol Christin's Seafaring Saga
@TAndvig But you can have it. Why miss out on a great game just because it’s a GCK?
Re: ICYMI: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Switch Icons Now Available
I’ll be getting all of these for sure. I like the box art icon.
Re: Hands On: Xenoblade Chronicles X & Mira Are Even More Magnificent On Switch 2
I’m glad to hear that the update is worth the price of admission, though there is some clear debate as to whether or not it should be free. Either way, I’m looking forward to revisiting the game. It’s been almost a year since I’ve last played — I have forgotten the controls, and some of the core mechanics. I’m debating whether or not I want to start a fresh playthrough and test the waters, knowing I probably won’t finish it, or boot up my save file that has 120-hours logged and get accustomed to systems again.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Gets Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade, Out Now
Oh my! I was just thinking of replaying this game. Now, I definitely will. This is awesome news! Fingers crossed for a XC3 update!
Re: Mewgenics Console Release Is In The Works, And Switch 2 Is "The Frontrunner"
I’ve been hearing about this game a lot over the past week, and my interest is piqued.
Re: Stellar Blade Dev Might Be Eyeing A Switch 2 Release In The Future
I’ll buy this in a heartbeat. I got the platinum for it on the PS5, and I still want more of it. It’s easily in my top 5 of this generation.
Re: Review: Ys X: Proud Nordics (Switch 2) - The Definitive Version Of Adol Christin's Seafaring Saga
I was just thinking about this game this morning. I’m glad to see it reviewed well; I think I’ll pick it up in a few days.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (14th February)
This weekend I am playing NiOh 3. I’m approximately a quarter of the way through with 13-hours of playtime. My experience has been sublime thus far. If you are not a fan of souls-like then this game won’t move the needle. However, if you’re a fan of this genre, and generally hardcore action game with robust combat, then welcome aboard.
This latest entry is probably the most accessible because of the approach in its difficulty. It’s achieved by open world exploration, and giving always giving you something to indulge. If you’re having trouble with a group of enemies, or an optional boss, simply go somewhere else. There is a strong essence of player agency and freedom, providing you the feeling that you aren’t ever stuck. It’s comparable to Elden Ring in that regard.
As we all know, this genre is typically associated with difficulty; NiOh 3 is no exception, but it’s hardly unbearable. There were a few boss encounters where I questioned my ability to defeat them, but once I understood the mechanics, the correct time to switch fighting styles (samurai and ninja), and deflecting, fights became manageable. One boss I encountered, Kamaitchi, which I believe is optional, was frantic, engaging, and incredibly unique with some of its movements. It’s easily one of my favorite throughout the entire souls-like games on the market.
The combat is the real star of the show—a staple in this franchise. It’s arguably better than any souls-like, perhaps even superior to From Software games. There is so much variety on play, and the amount creative builds feel limitless. In the prior two games you acquired various weapon types, each with their own stance and skill trees to master. That core element is still present, but rather than being a samurai you can switch to a Ninja on the fly. In doing so, there is no Ki pulse or different stances; instead, you’re more versatile, nimble, quicker to dodge, and can use various magic abilities in addition to numerous weapons. It’s a fun mechanic that is seamlessly integrated in the enemies and bosses you fight, making you to have quick reflexes.
One complaint I’ve had in every NiOh game is the copious amounts of loot. It really can be exhausting trying to manage everything. Whilst it’s still prevalent, there are accessibility options to make life easier. You can adjust your settings so anything that you pick up can be sold, or disassembled from common, uncommon, legendary, and rare. You also get the choice to choose between common, uncommon, rare, and legendary, that way you won’t be overwhelmed (more than you have to). This helps ease the monotonous of pouring through lists and lists of what to keep or not.
All in all, NiOh 3 seems to be the culmination of all its trademarks, and a new beginning for the franchise. It builds upon its foundation, sharpening what sets it apart from its contemporaries, and tries something different. There may be a couple of stumbles along the way, but nothing too bad to negate the amount of positives the game offers. This will more than likely be in the GoTY discussion, and it will be justified. In my opinion, this is Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo’s best game yet.
Re: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Announced For Switch 2 And Switch
This is an awesome collection! I have fond memories of MGS4, and that ending music was top tier.
Re: Castlevania: Belmont's Curse Unveiled For Switch, Launching In 2026
Day. Freaking. One. This was the highlight of the SoP.
Re: Assassin's Creed Has "Overperformed" This Quarter, Says Ubisoft
I’ve yet to play this entry, but I think I’ll pick it up during a deep sale. I probably won’t finish it; these games are typically over saturated, but if it holds my attention for a while then I’ll be pleased.
Re: Yes, Elden Ring & The Duskbloods Are Definitely Still Coming To Switch 2 In 2026
I’m very curious about Duskbloods. It has all the typical traits of a From Soft game, but it being similar to Nightrein, and exclusively on Switch, is concerning. That said, I have faith in them—they very rarely disappoint. I also can’t wait to have Elden Ring on the go.
Re: Digital Foundry Talks Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's "Suitably Impressive" Switch 2 Trailer
I was blown away too; I didn’t think it was Switch 2 footage. I can’t wait to play this game portably.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined?
@The-Chosen-one Waiting for what reviews? The reviews have already been out.
Re: Review: Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (Switch 2) - Maybe It's Time To Take A Break
I’m glad I canceled my preorder, but it’s disappoint to see a successful franchise have a huge miss, when all of their games are typically great. I’ll stick with the original.
Re: Talking Point: Age Of Imprisonment Could Inspire Next Zelda Game, Say Devs, But What Does That Mean?
ToTK is one of my all time favorite games, but I would love to see a more traditional approach, though that is highly unlikely. Maybe the combat will be revamped, and providing neat skill sets and special moves. That said, we always seem to have this conversation — how can the next Zelda game be better than the last? It always seems like an impossible feat because we aren’t involved in the creative process, but it always surpasses everyone’s expectations. I don’t think we need to worry about the direction the games will go.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th February)
I’ve kind of been in a funk, so I think I’m going to take a brief hiatus from gaming until Resident Evil Requiem releases, or perhaps Yakuza 3 Kiwami, if the reviews are solid. I sincerely haven’t gone longer than a singular day playing something for over five years, but I think it’ll be good to step away.
I have, however, been reading a lot more than usual — I do it often, but as of late I’m more ferociously. My wife convinced me to read the Fourth Wing series. I was skeptical because, as much as I love fantasy, the steamy romance scenes aren’t my cup of tea, so I went in expecting to dislike the book(s). Several days later, I finished all three books. They were quite incredible. I’m now reading The Will of the Many by James Islington, and it’s fantastic. The world building has been incredible, and the setting has my imagination running wild.
Re: Nintendo Showcases Every Switch And Switch 2 Partner Direct Game In New Infographic
@TheExile285 Same here! There are numerous games I’ll be purchasing when they release.
Re: Tales Of Arise Comes To Switch 2 In May, Includes Beyond The Horizon DLC
This is one of the games I’ve been wanting to come to Switch 2 for a long time. I’m glad it finally is making its way — I’ll be double dipping for sure, especially since I haven’t played the DLC yet.
Re: Chrono Trigger, Xenogears Writer Is Releasing A Brand New RPG On Switch 2
I’ll keep my eye on this; hopefully it turns out well.
Re: Oblivion, Skyrim And Fallout Switch 2 Physicals Will All Be Code-In-A-Box, Bethesda Confirms
It’s kind of expected. Oblivion, Skyrim, and Fallout are essentially “old”. The people who want those games already have them considering how long they have been out. Indy, on the other hand, is new and fresh; they need to sell as many copies as possible. I understand that it sucks and doesn’t make much sense, but it is what it is.
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase February 2026: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer
If I had to rate this direct, it would be a B+, if not an A (or, a 9/10). Speaking only on the games that were shown rather than wasn’t, there was a huge lineup of games. Moreover, they are all releasing fairly soon: this spring and summer. There were no games that were slated for 2027. The majority of the games were for the first half of the year, and in that we are receiving FF7 Rebirth, Tales of Arise (a game not many is discussing but it’s worth mentioning - it’s great), Indiana Jones, Oblivion Remastered, Fallout 4, Orbitals, and more.
Sure, I was a tad disappointed by the lack of other games rumored to be coming to the console, or factually releasing, such as Elden Ring, Clair Obscur, Metaphor, and Mina The Hollower. I wish there were some news on those games. With that said, it’s almost all but certain those games will be coming, so for what the Partner Showcase presented, it was fantastic.
Of course, we are also getting RE Requiem and Pragmata day one, whilst also having FF7Remake, Dragon Quest 7, Yakuza 3, Caves of Qud, already released, or will be in a week. That goes to show me that developers are starting to see Switch 2’s true potential without compromising. And yes, this showcase was essentially about ports. I understand the dismay against that — I, too, want new games — but it’s a good indication where the mindset of developers are. We are going to start getting more day one releases in the future.
In my opinion, we are eating good.
Re: Digimon Story: Time Stranger Makes The Leap To Switch 1 & 2 This July
Nice to see the best mid Digimon game come to S2.